Ray Lewis out at least another week

Although Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis is eligible to return from short-term injured reserve, he’ll miss at least another week with the triceps injury that has sidelined him since Week Six.

The Ravens have decided not to activate Lewis, ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Sal Paolantonio report. In order for Lewis to play on Sunday against the Broncos, he would have to be activated by 4 p.m. Eastern on Saturday.

That’s the news we’ve been expecting. Peter King reported on Pro Football Talk on NBC Sports Network on Friday that the Ravens were concerned about putting Lewis’s recovery at risk by allowing him to push himself to return too quickly.

Lewis was not listed on this week’s injury report because he’s still on injured reserve. The Ravens now have until a week from today to officially declare whether Lewis will play next Sunday against the Giants.

Although as a Steelers fan, of course I hate the Ravens, but I admire Ray Lewis and what he brings to the game. If he’s considering retiring this year, I want to see him back in uniform giving it his all before he steps down. But no good can come from rushing his recovery. His return to the field isn’t essential from a strategic perspective because the Ravens have had good play at that position in his absence. He’s more important for the emotional boost he gives, so better for the team to wait another week until he’s fully recovered and won’t risk re-injury before the playoffs.

Ellerbe is the one they need with this ragtag group of linebackers getting ready to face Peyton Manning. Ray might not be Ray anymore, but he still makes me feel better than a guy who was on the practice squad three weeks ago. Could get ugly in Baltimore tomorrow.